NSW/ACT Notebook: Grand Final Review

Sydney Swans 11.8 (74) def. by Hawthorn 21.11 (137)
 
Both teams had two goals to their names ten minutes in, forecasting a close encounter.
 
But the Hawks took control in the latter stages of the first quarter, building a 20-point quarter time lead.
 
From there, they continued to elude the Swans — adding six goals to three in the second term and five goals to three in the final two quarters.
 
The Swans, normally the top inside 50 team in the comp, struggled to move the ball forward in their usual manner. They were down 35-15 in inside 50s at half time.
 
The hot start from the Hawks was also helped by their early intensity, winning the tackle count in the first term 22-7.
 
By the end of the match, Hawthorn had 144 more disposals than Sydney.
 
The Swans were led in defeat by Josh Kennedy, who had 29 disposals, five clearances and a goal. Lance Franklin, working with lower-than-normal supply, still managed four goals.
 
Nick Malceski, with 10 rebound 50s among 26 disposals, was also among the team’s best.
 
Luke Hodge claimed the Norm Smith Medal with 35 disposals, 12 marks and two goals. Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis also topped 30 touches.
 
Jarryd Roughead (five goals) and NSW duo Will Langford and Luke Breust (three goals apiece) were powering the Hawks attack.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Will Langford (East Sydney) found himself in Norm Smith contention for the Hawks after his impressive performance, which included three goals – each among the most impressive of the day. Langford also finished with 21 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s.
 
Luke Breust (Temora) kicked thee goals as well, while picking up 17 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50s.
 
Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) had 18 disposals at 94 percent efficiency, while also kicking a goal and generating four inside 50s.
 
Isaac Smith (Temora) had 17 disposals, five marks, four inside 50s and two goal assists.
 
Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) started as the sub and came on late to have an immediate impact with nine touches – all effective – and three inside 50s.
 
Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) for the Swans kicked two goals and picked up 18 disposals, as well as assisting three goals.
 
Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) laid five tackles, kicked a goal and provided two goal assists, finishing with 11 disposals.
 
Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) took five marks, generated three inside 50s and had 11 disposals.
 
Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) had five tackles and three one-percenters.
 
Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had five tackles and three one-percenters.
 
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had three clearances, two tackles and two inside 50s.